Don't get spooked: Drive safely this Halloween

Published On: Jun 01 2012 04:08:04 PM CDT

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(NewsUSA) - Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year -- it's also one of the most dangerous for pedestrians. As children take time to pick out the creepy costumes they're going to wear, adults should spend some time thinking about Halloween driver safety.

Firestone Complete Auto Care gives a few tips to help drivers avoid a scare this Halloween:

- Make sure the monsters can see you. Jack-o-Lanterns aren't the only items that should be illuminated on Halloween. Before getting behind the wheel, drivers should make sure they have optimal visibility by ensuring their vehicles' lights are in working order, the defroster is working properly, the windshield wipers are in good condition and the windshield washer fluid is at an appropriate level. Many children wear masks and costumes that obscure their vision, so functioning lights will also help make the vehicle more visible for pedestrians.

- Don't drive fast to escape the ghosts. On Halloween, many children run from house to house eager to yell "Trick-or-Treat" and fill their bag with candy. Slowing down will help drivers focus on their surroundings and allow them to stop more quickly if need be. Slower speeds also save fuel.

- Listen for creepy noises. Instead of listening to the radio or talking on a cell phone, a driver should listen to what's going on around him or her. Avoiding distractions allows a driver to keep his or her eyes and ears open for the witches, royalty and superheroes who may be crossing the street.

- Get a grip. As a tire wears, its ability to grip the road in adverse conditions decreases. Stopping on wet roads can take up to four times the normal distance of stopping on dry roads. If the tread on the tires is worn, the tires may hydroplane (skim over the surface of the road with little or no traction). Drivers should check their tire inflation pressure as well as tread depth and wear at least once per month to make sure their tires are gripping the road properly this Halloween.

These driving and maintenance tips can help promote Halloween safety for years to come, so be sure to share them with friends, family and neighbors. A quick check of your vehicle can help make sure any frights are reserved for the holiday, not for the road.

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